Ride from Khon Kaen via Loei, Chiang Khan, Nong Khai, Saknon Nakhon and back to Khon

[Grubman]

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Hi

I am planning a ride for the 29th and 30th of october which will is in one week if there is any one that would like to join me for this ride you are all welcome please see the link for the route via google maps http://maps.google.co.th/maps?saddr=...,14,15&t=m&z=7
so if there is anyone interested please let me know and happy riding

Cheers
Grubman

[mbox999]

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hey grubman...you could make this route a 1 day ironbutt ride , no?

[Changnoi1]

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Hey Grubman that looks like a nice ride but you and me have different riding style ...
Last week I did the eastern part of that tour and I am planning to do the western part of that tour ....
But first have to see the dentist and I might have to be in CNX for 2 days ...

Chang Noi

[Changnoi1]

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O yes some part of the KK ring-road is flooded (at least 3 days ago)

Chang Noi

[TonyBKK]

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Hiya Grant!

I'm keen to join you for this one- Bangkok flood situation permitting.

Actually, if Bangkok gets out of hand I'm going to take the family and a couple bikes to gf's village in Nong Song Hong, which isn't so far from you.

Hope to see you soon!

Tony

[Changnoi1]

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Maybe we can have a mini-kk meeting? City centre free of water.

Just back from the bloody dentist ... all OK, but it was just decided that I will have to go to CNX for 4 days, so will be back the 29th or 30th. What love to meet some other people from GTR.

Ivo

[Grubman]

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Thanks Ivo

Hope you have a good time in cnx and as or now there is only Tony who is a maybe at the moment due the flood in Bangkok but i guess he will know with in a few day as what he will be doing so un till then i will just wait and see what happens, i also know that there is a bike(week) event in Roi Et on the 29th so it maybe an opition as well and then heading for the ride after that but will wait and see again what pans out

Cheers
Grubman
Grant

[johngooding]

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I cannot quite make your timescale, but I will be riding from Chiang Mai to Khon Khaen on Monday 2nd. KK to Loei on Tuesday, sleeping Loei, hopefully joined by Jim, then back up to Chiang Mai, route not yet decided, maybe via Nan. As an ex KK native, like to say hello to anyone free on Monday pm, or Tues am, or who wishes to join with riding

[Changnoi1]

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Well going to CNX seems to be canceled as my wife just came up with a sinus-infection, so that leaves me open for any bike tour. As I was thinking about Loei already we might meet up somewhere in Loei?

I think there is actually also a Surin bike meeting?

Ivo

P.s. John ... are you the guy riding a black Versys in KK and moved to CNX?

[johngooding]

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Hi Changnoi, left KK one year ago. Then was riding black Yamaha R1, or Grey FZ1, or BMW R1200GS, but never a Versys. Maybe we can talk Monday pm. My phone 0818825122.

[Changnoi1]

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Hi John, Dunno not know yet where I will be at Monday but if in town I will give you a call, my mobile = 0877808328
Anyone else coming up, Tony?

Ivo (aka Chang Noi)

[marcusb]

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Hello,
Grubman which towns will you sleep in on the tour? I just did the same tour two weeks ago but I am up for doing it again, without rain. The route is a bit short for two full days
but I have some nice scenic detours if your flexible. I think the ride from Chang khan to Sangkrom is one of the most scenic tours in Thailand, I love it. My next favorite is Chang Khan to Nan.
John, if you go to Nan from Loei I think I'm in for that as well. Meet in Loei tuesday night? King hotel? Which way to Nan? I like the highway that hugs the Laos border all the way. It's rough in sections but sooo scenic and twisty.
Is it possible for us to do something to Tony's bike to slow him down a bit? Or can we insist he rent a wave?
Ivo, you should join on the loei - nan tour.
Fore warning: I ride a cbr 150r, the r stands for "really slow", but I don't mind being at the destination after everyone else.


Life is swell,
mark

[Changnoi1]

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Hahaha well maybe Tony can use the KSR from my wife ... that will slow him down a bit!

Will try to schedule the Loei - Nan tour but I am afraid I have to be in KK at 2 Nov.

Ivo

Hello,
Grubman which towns will you sleep in on the tour? I just did the same tour two weeks ago but I am up for doing it again, without rain. The route is a bit short for two full days
but I have some nice scenic detours if your flexible. I think the ride from Chang khan to Sangkrom is one of the most scenic tours in Thailand, I love it. My next favorite is Chang Khan to Nan.
John, if you go to Nan from Loei I think I'm in for that as well. Meet in Loei tuesday night? King hotel? Which way to Nan? I like the highway that hugs the Laos border all the way. It's rough in sections but sooo scenic and twisty.
Is it possible for us to do something to Tony's bike to slow him down a bit? Or can we insist he rent a wave?
Ivo, you should join on the loei - nan tour.
Fore warning: I ride a cbr 150r, the r stands for "really slow", but I don't mind being at the destination after everyone else.


Life is swell,
mark

[Grubman]

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Hi Mark

at present i have not planned where the over night stay will be and the route is very flexiable, i have spoken with Tony today and he will meet on saturday morning near khon kaen some where. I live in ban fang which is about 25km out of kk on the way to chum phae, i guess we are open to any changes to the ride to make it more interesting, we could always hit a few roads around phetchabun to make the route longer as there is quite a few nice route around that area, so if you have any reconmendation please let us know

would be nice to hgave you along for the ride and to meet as well

Cheers
Grubman
Grant

[Changnoi1]

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Hi Grant,

Give me call or drop me a PM for location & time and I will be try to be there, even if it was only to have a chat.

Ivo

Hi Mark

at present i have not planned where the over night stay will be and the route is very flexiable, i have spoken with Tony today and he will meet on saturday morning near khon kaen some where. I live in ban fang which is about 25km out of kk on the way to chum phae, i guess we are open to any changes to the ride to make it more interesting, we could always hit a few roads around phetchabun to make the route longer as there is quite a few nice route around that area, so if you have any reconmendation please let us know

would be nice to hgave you along for the ride and to meet as well

Cheers
Grubman
Grant

[Changnoi1]

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Just back home again from a almost 3 days great ride. Together with MarcusB we started of with a good breakfast at Grubman and rode the long way to Phetchabun and stayed at the new Burapa Hotel (clean & good for only 450Thb). While on the way Tony did catch up with us and we had a great diner along the "lake" in Petchabun. Next day we took the long way to Loei via the most beautiful route 2331 to Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park. Although it was my first big "mountain" climb I enjoyed it very much. Magnificent view at 1667m high. The thru the national park and via Nakhon Thai and Dan Sai to Loei. Where we stayed at "King Hotel" (again a good choice for only 500thb). This evening a bit slower evening and night. I left very early and did ride "straight" back to KK but with the help of Google Maps I had some weird country side detours to have early lunch at Pattaya 2 beach (which actually at the moment does not have beach).

Thank guys for a great ride!
Ivo

[TonyBKK]

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Cheers Ivo!

It was nice to finally meet you. Great weekend!

Many of us have been stressing over the flood situation in Thailand recently so when the Government declared a long holiday weekend I immediately started packing my bags!

Didn't want to leave the family in Bangkok in case the neighborhood flooded so put them in the car and trailered the bike to Khon Kaen and set off from there.

Day 1 from Nong Song Hong to Petchabun via Chumphae, Nam Nao and Khao Kho-


http://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=Ro...&sz=17&t=m&z=9

Highway 12 through Nam Nao National Park is one of the best sport bike roads in Thailand IMO. The Thais call it "Nam Nao Circuit" Awesome stuff!

This is an old vid (not from this ride) that gives a good taste of this unforgettable road-


The 2258 to Khao Kho is a fantastic roller coaster of a road- so much fun that we turned around and rode it twice!

Stayed in the newer wing of the Burapha hotel in Petchabun which is much nicer than the old wing and a great value at only 450 Baht. Fantastic dinner and way too many beers- I was feeling pretty green the next morning...

Ready to roll-


Full day ride ahead- the distance isn't so great, but it's twisties for most of the way- awesome stuff!



2331 to Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park is a thing of beauty!


The views from the summit are breathtaking-


Surely one of the most picturesque roads in Thailand?


Nice and cool at 1667 meters




The road in the park is really rough in spots. Was glad I was on the Versys and not the Gixxer!


Rolled in to Loei around 3pm. Enough time get checked in to the King Hotel and enjoy a 2 hour Thai massage before meeting the guys for dinner at Chris's Steak House. Fantastic food as always!

Final day everyone went home their own way. My route on Day 3:


http://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=Ch...=4,5,6&t=m&z=9

One pic before leaving the King Hotel in Loei-


Lots of vids- will add them once I've had time to edit and upload.

Fantastic weekend, perfect weather, roads in pretty good repair, and everyone made it home in one piece. Can't wait for the next one!

Happy Trails!

Tony

[Changnoi1]

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Thanks Tony for a great trip-report, I am too lazy to do but next time will try to be less lazy.

Ivo

[TonyBKK]

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Bike Cam vid of Route 2258 to Khao Kho, Petchabun-

[TonyBKK]

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Kawasaki Versys Dirt Near Phu Luang, Thailand October 2011



Trying (and failing) to find a waterfall near Phu Luang